Can You Be Sued for Providing First Aid?

First aid in the news

First aid in the news

Good Samaritan article header

The idea of helping someone in an emergency situation often raises concerns about potential legal repercussions. While the desire to assist is strong, many Australians wonder if they could be sued for rendering first aid. This article explores the legal landscape in Australia regarding the liability of individuals who provide first aid assistance.

Helping in an Emergency

First Aid training is often only completed as a workplace requirement, and yet the majority of medical emergencies happen outside work.

The statistics of first aid certification across the country vary by news outlet, but the numbers are consistently, and concerningly, less than 15% of the population.

Almost three quarters of us have witnessed a health or medical emergency, but with so few people keeping up to date with CPR and first aid training, our ability to offer support in those situations is worryingly low.

One reason why some people do not feel confident in providing first aid is the idea that they may be sued were something else to go wrong. This simply isn’t the case here in Australia.

Good Samaritan

In Australia, a Good Samaritan is defined in legislation as a person who is present at an emergency and assists in good faith, without expectation of payment or reward for providing assistance.

This could include family members, volunteers, bystanders, and off-duty health professionals. Essentially, it includes any person who is not on duty and offers to provide assistance during an emergency.

Volunteers must act within the scope of activity and instructions of their organisation. They would be considered Good Samaritans if they are off duty, but not if they are on duty.

Legal Liability for Providing First Aid

Australia has specific laws, known as "Good Samaritan" laws, designed to protect individuals who offer help in emergencies. These laws vary slightly across different states and territories, but their core principle remains the same: to encourage bystanders to assist without fear of legal consequences.

In general, Good Samaritan laws provide legal immunity to individuals who render assistance in good faith, without expecting any reward. This means that as long as you act responsibly and within the scope of your knowledge and abilities, you are protected from being sued for any harm that may occur as a result of your actions.

According to Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation (ANZCOR) - No person acting as a Good Samaritan in Australia has ever been successfully sued for rending assistance to a person in need.

Good Samaritans have complete immunity from civil liability provided they are not under the voluntary influence of drugs or alcohol if they did not cause the emergency, and if they act in good faith.

Do You HAVE to Assist?

No, generally there is no legal obligation to provide assistance in an emergency situation.

There are a few exceptions to this rule. Health care professionals and first responders are bound by their own codes of conduct and the legislations of their jurisdiction, and need to be aware of the legalities involved for their situation.

If you are in the Northern Territory, you do have a legal obligation to assist - any person who callously fails to provide assistance of any kind to a person urgently in need of it and whose life may be endangered may be guilty of a crime and if found liable may face imprisonment for up to 7 years (Criminal Code Act 1983, s155).

Child with mouth injury

Scope and Limitations of Good Samaritan Laws

While Good Samaritan laws offer protection, there are certain conditions and limitations to consider:

Good Faith Effort: The assistance must be provided in good faith, meaning with the honest intention to help and without any malicious intent.

Within Competence: The first aid provided should be within the scope of your knowledge and training. For example, a trained first aider should not attempt complex medical procedures they are not qualified to perform.

No Reckless Behaviour: Protection under Good Samaritan laws does not extend to actions that are reckless or grossly negligent. If your actions are deemed to have caused unnecessary harm due to carelessness, you could be held liable.

Voluntary Assistance: The protection applies only if you voluntarily offer assistance. If you are legally obligated to help (e.g., as a healthcare professional), different rules may apply.

It is important to note that in certain scenarios you would not be protected. These could include, but are not limited to:

  • The Good Samaritan who is assisting an injured person initially caused the injury or accident.
  • The Good Samaritan’s ability to assist a person in need is impaired because they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • The Good Samaritan falsely claims to have medical qualifications or impersonates a healthcare, emergency services worker, or police officer.
  • The Good Samaritan clearly failed to show reasonable care in their assistance.

State and Territory Variations

Each state and territory in Australia has its own version of Good Samaritan laws, and while they share common elements, there are some variations.

It's important to familiarize yourself with the specific laws in your state or territory, especially if you regularly provide first aid or are involved in professions where emergency assistance may be required.

Commonwealth

  • Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009 (Cth)
  • Good Medical Practice: A Code of Conduct for Doctors in Australia

Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales The Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW) offers protection to Good Samaritans, provided they act in good faith and without gross negligence.

Victoria The Wrongs Act 1958 (VIC) includes provisions that protect individuals from liability when providing emergency assistance.

  • Wrongs Act 1958 (Vic) s 31B, 37

South Australia

Queensland The Civil Liability Act 2007 (QLD) offers similar protections, ensuring that Good Samaritans are not held liable for injuries or damages caused while providing assistance.

  • Law Reform Act 1995 (QLD) s 16
  • Civil Liability Act 2007 (QLD)

Tasmania

Western Australia

Northern Territory

Employer Obligations and First Aid in the Workplace

In the workplace, employers have a duty of care to ensure that employees are trained in first aid and that appropriate first aid equipment is available.

In such cases, the protections offered by Good Samaritan laws may not apply, as the assistance provided by employees may be part of their job responsibilities.

However, employers generally have insurance policies in place to cover any legal claims arising from workplace first aid incidents.

Industrial accident workers providing first aid

Conclusion

In Australia, the fear of being sued for providing first aid should not deter you from helping someone in need.

Good Samaritan laws across the country offer robust protection to those who act in good faith, within their competence, and without recklessness.

By understanding these laws and staying informed about your rights and responsibilities, you can confidently offer assistance in emergencies, knowing that the law is on your side.

Originally published at https://www.australiawidefirstaid.com.au/resources/can-you-be-sued-for-providing-first-aid
as part of the Australia Wide First Aid Articles Library

Related Articles

WFAD Media Release Graphic article header
Nearly Half of Aussies Don't Know CPR

New data reveals nearly half of Aussies lack the CPR knowledge to save a life. In fact, new data from Australia Wide First Aid’s inaugural, First Aid Proficiency Report, reveals only a third of Aussies have ever assisted in providing CPR.

mpox article header
Mpox: A Comprehensive Overview

Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that has garnered significant attention due to its similarities with smallpox. Although less severe, monkeypox is a public health concern, particularly in regions where it is endemic.

Most Kissed Face Article Header
The ‘Most Kissed Face’ in the World

Ever wondered about the face used on the CPR manikins? Most people don't, until they discover the macabre backstory.

AI VA article header
Siri Can’t Give You CPR Instructions

The use of AI is growing ever more expansive. These assistants, however, don’t seem to be useful in a crisis.

Back Blows Save Babys Life
Back Blows Save Baby’s Life

Recently we saw news of a Michigan police officer saving a baby’s life during a traffic stop. In the dramatic and disturbing footage, the officer delivered back blows to stop the child choking. Had he not acted quickly, the outcome could have been a tragedy.

A black and white image of a man experiencing muscle spasms from tetanus
Tetanus in Australia: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

Australia has experienced a recent spike in tetanus, a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. This bacterium can enter the body through open wounds and cause muscle stiffness, muscle spasms, and, in severe cases, death.

Two men in hazard suits removing asbestos sheets from a roof
Exposed: The Lingering Threat of Asbestos in Australia

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were once widely used in Australia's construction industry. Though it has since been banned due to its highly toxic impact on human health, asbestos remains a lingering issue in Australia.

A woman leading children on a walk through nature
What is Nature Play Week?

Nature Play Week is an annual initiative that encourages children to spend more time outside, reconnect with nature, and ultimately develop important skills like creativity and problem solving. Find out how you can get involved!

A woman refusing a plate with cookies and hamburger buns
Coeliac Awareness Week

Coeliac Awareness Week aims to raise awareness about Coeliac disease, a chronic condition that makes the immune system react abnormally to gluten. Continue reading for more information on how you can get involved!

A woman sitting on a bed holding her abdomen in pain
Endometriosis Awareness Month

Endometriosis Awareness Month was started in 1993 to spread awareness about endometriosis, an inflammatory condition in which endometrial tissue grows outside the uterus. Find out how you can get involved!